Rep. Joe Courtney

Maddy summaryThis bill requires military commanders to approve leave for active-duty service members and their dependents seeking abortion care without needing to disclose the specific procedure. It mandates reimbursement for travel costs to clinics providing abortion services when local access is unavailable and protects the privacy of those using this leave. The bill explicitly prohibits any negative consequences for service members who request or take such leave. It directly affects military personnel and their families by ensuring timely, private, and accessible abortion care without command interference.

Maddy summaryThe Election Day Act (HR 6267) would designate "Election Day" as a federal holiday by adding it to the list of designated holidays in U.S. Code (Title 5, Section 6103). This would require federal offices to close and provide federal employees a day off on Election Day, the established date for federal elections (the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November). The bill amends the existing holiday list to insert "Election Day" after "Columbus Day." It does not change the election date but formalizes it as a federal holiday for government operations.

Maddy summaryThe American Security Drone Act of 2023 prohibits U.S. federal agencies from procuring or operating unmanned aircraft systems (drones) manufactured by "covered foreign entities," which includes companies from China or under Chinese government control, beginning two years after enactment. The bill establishes exemptions for national security purposes (like counterterrorism, intelligence operations, and research), for the Department of Transportation to maintain air safety, and for NOAA to meet scientific objectives. Federal agencies must also account for existing drones from these foreign entities within one year of enactment, and the bill mandates new security standards for all government drone procurement. The restrictions will expire five years after the law takes effect, and the bill requires a study on drone supply chains.

Maddy summaryHR 4508, the Hidden Fee Disclosure Act of 2023, requires retirement and health plan administrators (including pharmacy benefit managers and third-party administrators) to disclose detailed fee and compensation information annually. It mandates that these administrators provide specific, written reports to plan fiduciaries by January 1st of each year, detailing all direct and indirect fees, rebates, discounts, clawbacks from pharmacies, and the total gross and net spending on drugs or health services. The disclosures must include breakdowns of compensation received from drug manufacturers, pharmacy networks, and other third parties, as well as how fees impact plan participants' costs. These requirements apply to all covered plans and take effect on January 1, 2025, with implementing rules to be issued by the Labor Secretary within a year of enactment.

Maddy summaryHRES 818 is a symbolic resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for designating October 28, 2023, as "Honoring the Nation's First Responders Day." It recognizes first responders - including firefighters, police, EMTs, and paramedics - who collectively form an estimated 4.6 million-person workforce in the U.S., per a 2017 Department of Homeland Security report. The resolution encourages the public to observe the day through ceremonies and activities that highlight these workers' contributions to community safety. As a non-binding gesture, it does not create new laws, funding, or legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHRES 819 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the 5-year anniversary of the October 27, 2018, antisemitic attack at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, which killed 11 people. It condemns antisemitism and references rising hate incidents, including the Anti-Defamation League’s 2022 report of record antisemitic activity (3,697 incidents). The resolution honors the victims, expresses solidarity with affected Jewish communities, and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to combatting hate and protecting religious freedom. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it has no binding effect but serves as a formal statement of congressional stance.

Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. It condemns Hamas' actions, affirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution also urges enforcement of existing laws restricting aid to terrorists and sanctions against Iran for supporting Hamas. It does not create new policies or allocate funds, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support.

Maddy summaryHRES 768 is a symbolic House Resolution expressing congressional support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas' actions, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution references the U.S. commitment to Israel's security through existing military aid programs, including the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, and emphasizes enforcement of laws like the Taylor Force Act to prevent U.S. aid from reaching terrorist groups. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new policy but serves as a statement of congressional support for Israel.

Maddy summaryThe Safe Schools Improvement Act (HR 6031) requires public elementary and secondary schools to implement comprehensive anti-bullying policies that specifically prohibit harassment based on protected characteristics like race, gender identity, disability, religion, and sexual orientation. It mandates schools to collect and publicly report annual data on bullying incidents while establishing clear grievance procedures for students and parents. The bill also requires states to submit biennial reports on school compliance and supports evidence-based interventions, such as restorative practices, to reduce exclusionary discipline. This legislation directly affects all public K-12 schools and students in the U.S., aiming to create safer learning environments through standardized policy requirements and data transparency.

Maddy summaryThe Savings for Servicemembers Act (HR 5844) lowers the required travel distance for tax deductions for reserve component members of the Armed Forces. It changes the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the minimum distance from home (100 miles to 50 miles) for qualifying travel expenses related to military duties. This adjustment directly affects reserve service members who travel for training or duty, allowing them to deduct more travel costs. The change applies to tax returns filed for 2023 and later years.